How can I sell different ticket types for my gala, like tables and VIP packages?

Eventbrite allows you to create multiple custom ticket types. You can easily set up options for individual seats, VIP packages with special perks, or group tickets for booking entire tables, all from a single event page.

What's the best way to promote my charity gala to potential donors?

Use Eventbrite's integrated marketing tools. Send targeted email campaigns to your past supporters and use our Facebook and Instagram integration to run ads that reach new audiences interested in your cause and drive ticket sales directly.

Can I manage a guest list and check-in for a large formal event?

Yes, the free Eventbrite Organizer app is designed for smooth check-ins. You and your volunteers can scan QR-code tickets on guests' phones or printed tickets to keep lines short and track attendance in real time.

Can our nonprofit accept donations through Eventbrite?

While Eventbrite allows you to create a free 'Donation' ticket type to collect funds, all sales are processed through your event page. This makes it simple for attendees to contribute when they register for your gala.

How do I offer special pricing for sponsors or board members?

You can create unique promo codes on Eventbrite. Share these codes with sponsors, board members, or other VIPs to give them access to discounted or complimentary tickets, helping you easily manage and track these special invitations.

Is Eventbrite free for a nonprofit fundraising event?

Publishing your gala on Eventbrite is free. If you sell paid tickets, ticketing fees apply. You can choose to have attendees pay these fees at checkout or include them in the ticket price. There are no fees for free tickets.

Organize Your Gala & Sell Tickets Online | Eventbrite

How to Organize & Promote a Benefit or Gala

This guide shows you how to organize a gala event that inspires donors and exceeds fundraising goals. With Eventbrite, you have a powerful partner for ticketing, promotion, and managing your benefit from start to finish.

Your step-by-step guide to charity gala planning

A successful gala requires meticulous planning to create a memorable experience that encourages generosity. From defining your fundraising goals to the final thank-you note, every detail matters.

Key Steps for Your Gala:

Define Your Mission & Budget: Start with a clear fundraising target. Your budget should account for venue, catering, entertainment, marketing, and staffing. This foundation guides all your decisions.
Secure Your Venue & Vendors: Choose a location that reflects the prestige of your event. Lock in your caterers, entertainers, speakers, and any auction services well in advance.
Structure Your Ticketing: Plan your ticket tiers. Eventbrite makes it easy to set up different levels, such as individual tickets, couple packages, full tables for corporate sponsors, and VIP experiences with special perks.
Develop a Compelling Program: Craft an engaging schedule for the evening, including a cocktail hour, dinner, keynote speakers, an auction or paddle raise, and entertainment. A smooth-running program keeps guests captivated and focused on your cause.
Execute Your Promotion Plan: Begin your formal fundraiser promotion early. Use a multi-channel approach that combines email invitations to your donor base, social media campaigns, and partnerships with sponsors to build excitement and drive ticket sales.

Eventbrite: Your command center for a successful gala

From the first ticket sold to the final donation, our integrated tools simplify every step of managing your benefit.

Customized Gala Ticketing

Create multiple ticket types for your benefit, from early-bird single seats to sponsored corporate tables. Manage pricing and availability with ease.

Reach More Supporters

Use our email marketing tools to engage your donor list and leverage social media integrations for effective benefit event marketing that grows your audience.

A Seamless Donor Experience

Provide a professional guest experience with fast QR-code check-in using the Eventbrite Organizer app and accept on-site donations with Tap to Pay.

Why Eventbrite is the ideal platform for your fundraising gala

Join a global community of more than 89M monthly average users looking for events to support.

A professionally lit stage prepared for a speaker at a charity gala.

Connect with a Giving Community

Tap into a new network of potential supporters. With about 30% of tickets sold driven by Eventbrite discovery, our marketplace helps people passionate about your cause find and attend your gala.

A prepared registration and check-in area for a formal benefit event.

Flexible Ticketing & Donations

Effortlessly manage complex seating and pricing. Sell individual tickets, reserve full tables, and offer sponsorship packages. You can also create promo codes for special guests or sponsors to track their registrations.

A large, empty ballroom with tables set for a fundraising gala.

Effortless Check-in & Management

Make a great first impression. Use the Eventbrite Organizer app on your phone or tablet for fast, reliable QR-code ticket scanning. Track attendance in real-time and keep your entry lines moving smoothly.

Essential tools for every stage of your gala

Our all-in-one platform provides everything you need to manage your fundraiser, engage your community, and maximize your impact.

An elegantly prepared ballroom set for a benefit gala at night.

Tiered & Group Ticketing

Easily create and sell different ticket levels for your gala, from individual benefactor tickets to full corporate sponsor tables.

Email & Social Promotion

Use our built-in marketing tools to send targeted invitations to your donor list and promote your event across Facebook and Instagram to reach new supporters.

Real-Time Analytics

Track ticket sales, monitor revenue, and understand where your attendees are coming from with clear, easy-to-read reports that help you refine your marketing strategy.

Day-of Management

Ensure a smooth guest experience with the Eventbrite Organizer app for quick check-in and on-site sales or donations with Tap to Pay.

It’s amazing. I've used many other email distribution platforms, and would pay up to $1,500 a month, with only a small fraction of deliverability and open rates that I get with Eventbrite.Matt O., Founder & CEO, ORLOVE

Eventbrite checked off a lot of boxes. Not just for us but for our community.Ashley Louise, Founder of Ladies Get Paid

It’s the best marketing tool that we have. It’s 100 percent responsible for our uptick in business.Matt Orlove, ORLOVE

Frequently asked questions

Start planning your successful benefit or gala today

Create your event page, start selling tickets, and focus on what matters most—your cause. Get started for free with Eventbrite.